Pizza with Ham, Asparagus, and Ricotta

4.7
(30)
25 Reviews
12 Photos

Every once in a while I get a craving for a non-tomato sauce, or 'white' pizza. 'New pizza ideas' is always a popular food wish, and I hope this ricotta spread inspires lots of pizza experimentation in your kitchen.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
Allrecipes' editorial guidelines
Published on May 3, 2012
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
12 mins
Additional Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
37 mins
Servings:
2
Yield:
1 pizza
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh asparagus, trimmed

  • ½ cup ricotta cheese

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste

  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

  • 2 tablespoons chopped herbs, such as basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme (Optional)

  • 1 pound pizza dough (see footnote for recipe link)

  • 1 tablespoon flour, for dusting

  • ½ cup diced smoked ham

  • ½ cup shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat an oven to 550 degrees F (285 degrees C).

  2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add asparagus and cook uncovered until just tender, about 2 minutes. Drain in a colander, then immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes. Once asparagus is cold, drain well and set aside.

  3. Combine ricotta, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and heavy cream in a small bowl. Stir in fresh herbs (if using) and set aside.

  4. To shape the pizza dough, sprinkle the countertop and dough surface with flour and lightly pat flat. Use a rolling pin to form a thin disk about 9 inches in diameter. Transfer to a baking sheet.

  5. Spread ricotta mixture over crust, top with ham and asparagus. Sprinkle with Cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses.

  6. Place baking sheet on the bottom rack of the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. Transfer the baking sheet to the top rack and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Editor's Note:

This recipe calls for Chef John's Easy Homemade Pizza Dough.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

1129 Calories
57g Fat
115g Carbs
37g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 2
Calories 1129
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 57g 73%
Saturated Fat 16g 79%
Cholesterol 71mg 24%
Sodium 2246mg 98%
Total Carbohydrate 115g 42%
Dietary Fiber 5g 17%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 37g 73%
Vitamin C 17mg 19%
Calcium 271mg 21%
Iron 8mg 45%
Potassium 316mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.